Dining in has been the new going out for some time now, courtesy of the recession. Here’s how to do it in style and on a strict budget.
Alfies Antique Market, London
A fabulous place to go if you are looking for a period bargain. It’s where the dealers shop, so you know it’s good. I have picked up an original Art Deco dining table here for under £400. A real hunting ground with thousands of little gems on offer.
Argos
Another good source of bargain basement dining furniture - there’s a huge selection of modern and more traditional styles, with a pine dining table and four chairs going for £99.
B&Q Lighting
B&Q has really upped its game in its lighting department with a choice of over 200 chandeliers and ceiling lights all at remarkablt affordable prices. The Chambery Five Light Chandelier is as stylish as any in the collection and at just £34.98, its fantastic value for money too.
Homebrands
Similar concept to Trade Secret, with perhaps more M&S stock, and at up to 60% off the normal rrp. Very strong on solid oak furniture. Based in Cambridge and the North.
King of Cotton
Supplier of table linen to London’s finest hotels and restaurants, King of Cotton is the place to buy tablecloths and napkins if you want quality without breaking the bank. Egyptian Cotton table cloths are available from under £5.
Kingshall Furniture
http://www.kingshallfurniture.co.uk
Solid oak and ash dining sets for about half the price you would pay elsewhere – a dining table and four chairs starts at about £299. This furniture is made using traditional methods and is very high quality for this price.
QF4U
http://www.qualityfurniture4u.com
Tons of deals to be had here, from glass console table and buffet sideboards, to dining table and chair sets. This gold painted glass console table and mirror can be had for just £171.
Trade Secret
Brand name furniture at half the high street RRP. More dining tables, chairs and sideboards than you can shake a stick at, from big names such as M&S, John Lewis and Laura Ashley. Oxfordshire based.
Viners
The place to go for discount cutlery in top quality stainless steel. Good selection of classic, modern and decorative styles and at about 50% less than the competition.
Very.co.uk
Formerly Littlewoods, and not to be dismissed if you are really short on the readies. A dining table and four chair set can be had from as little as £89 – it doesn’t get much better than that.
